30th
Jul
This breathtaking alpine hike is a pleasant alternative to the busy Enchantments. Although perhaps not quite as beautiful as the Core Enchantments, the alpine lakes along Icicle Ridge are among the most spectacular in the state. But this hike is not for the feint of heart. With 4500 feet of elevation gain to Lake Edna […]
28th
Jul
Updated 8/10/2015 REI, Adventure Medical, and other companies have build quite a market around complex pre-built first aid kits. These kits can come very organized with quite a few components to them. They are often tailored to general circumstances, and contain a lot of potential yet unneeded trash. I believe that first aid kits are […]
23rd
Jul
Having attacked this area of the Alpine Lakes region from several different angles, I’ve put together an optimal loop hike that would hit some of the most beautiful spots in Washington, all in one, 4–6 day loop. The planned route would start and end out of the Hyas Lake and Cathedral Pass Trailheads (both in the […]
16th
Jul
I have often referred to the Northern Loop as the mini Wonderland Trail. It has a little bit of everything as far as scenery goes. The only thing it is missing the the moonscape high alpine rocks of Panhandle Gap. And Amy and I were not disappointed in our four and a half day visit there […]
15th
Jun
I am what you might call a gear head. I’m not completely obsessed. I don’t go around telling everyone about what gear I have and asking them what gear they have, but I do spend a significant amount of time researching gear in the internet and building lists to help determine the best combination of […]
8th
Jun
One of the most common questions I’m asked is about hiking with a camera. What do I bring? How much does it weigh? And how do I carry it? The short answer is, it depends, but let me take a bit to explain how I carry my camera in different situations. General Philosophy I know […]
11th
May
The moment has come and the decision made. It’s now or potentially never. Summer 2016, I’ll be venturing out on a month-long backpacking trip. I’m very excited about this decision, and the timing is right. Now, before kids come into the picture and while the motivation is strong. Yes, I can and will keep in […]
20th
Oct
It was a good year, and these 18 amazing hikes of 2014 will blow your socks off. Subapline meadows, alpine lakes, breathtaking peaks, vibrant larches, and nimble goats are just some of the amazing features of the places I hiked in 2014.
21st
Oct
Following up with the pattern I started last year, it’s time for my mid-summer update. The primary reason I fell in love with Washington and stayed for as long as I have is the breathtaking wilderness that it is home to. It is so important that I have made sure whatever job I’ve taken, has given me plenty of time to be out on the trail in the summers. And this summer is no different. So, without further ado, I want to share with you where I’ve been this summer.
13th
Sep
As you may have noticed, I’ve been slow on my posts this summer. Hopefully my Photo Friday’s have kept you interested, but it’s been quite a full summer. I officially resigned from the Bethel School District, moved myself from Tacoma to Seattle, started a new job as the Distance Learning Coordinator for the Northwest Regional Primary Care Association, began working as a freelance web designer, picked up the pace on the challenge course as I increase my responsibilities and commitment, and gotten out on plenty of backcountry excursions. Today, I thought I’d share some of those adventures with you.